LETTER: No room for more traffic in Nelson

While I agree wholeheartedly with the big idea about whether we do or do not have enough water, I disagree with the idea that Nelson’s population (city proper) still sits at 10,000.

I think the time has come to include all the North Shore residents into our population count as most bring their vehicles into the city daily, adding to the general congestion (which has increased significantly) and most are present in the city and using various amenities and services just as much as anyone living within the city. (Perhaps the time has come to expand city limits?)

I don’t know about you, but I find the traffic congestion irritating and dangerous. People are so fed up that risks are being taken. We need to think about the infrastructure and how much current development is adding to the strain. I am assuming that the people who will be buying into the development near Red Sands Beach will be bringing their vehicles (often two per family) into town. There is no room for more traffic. Period. There is no room.

Also, I’ve heard that there is not enough parking for residents and workers at the new co-op development. So, where are they going to park? On my walks I’ve noticed some of our grand old lady houses are sporting new basement suites — more vehicles to account for in and about our fair city (although as I’ve said in previous letters — if you live within six to eight blocks of downtown, are not physically disabled, and are not purchasing something bulky, think about saving our planet and walk)! Are we going to continue to develop density without regard to traffic congestion and the inability to expand our roadways and, do I dare mention it, the pollution that is tarnishing our beloved jewel of a city?

I don’t know about you but I have noticed a change in our air quality over the past five years, probably due to traffic (especially during the summer).

It’s ironic: people come here for the quality of life but the quality of life is diminishing as more come.